Manish R. Patel, MD

As director of drug development for Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Dr. Patel oversees early phase clinical studies that lead to breakthroughs in cancer treatment drugs and therapies. Dr. Patel directs the activities of FCS’s three Drug Development Units (DDUs) – in Sarasota, Lake Mary and Lake Nona, Florida, which are dedicated exclusively to Phase 1 clinical trials.  In partnership with Sarah Cannon, one of the world’s leading clinical research organizations, FCS is part of a network that reaches more clinical trial patients than any single cancer center in Florida.

Dr. Patel also serves as a principal investigator on numerous medical oncology and malignant hematology Phase 1 clinical trials. He is a noted speaker in the field of oncology and a frequent presenter at professional symposiums held nationally and around the globe.

Dr. Patel joined FCS in 2011 and takes great pride in the role the DDUs play in providing patients with early access to vital new treatment options in community settings. He credits the shared commitment and interaction among FCS physicians to helping the Phase 1 clinical trials units thrive and grow and contribute to improved patient outcomes.

Board-certified in medical oncology, hematology and internal medicine, Dr. Patel received his medical degree from the University of Miami School of Medicine. He completed internal medicine residency training at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee and a fellowship in hematology/oncology at the University of South Florida H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute in Tampa, Florida.